New Stone Age finds in India may record new history

RANCHI, Jharkhand, India -- Archaeologists might add a new chapter to the history of India, as certain remains of the stone-age civilisation have been discovered in the Damodar valley basin [in the new Indian state of Jharkhand, south of Bihar state].

The state art and culture department has already begun excavations [at two sites near Hazaribagh]...Several remains of the stone-age civilisation have been found in these places...Several Buddhist statues of the 12th century have also been found here.

“The pre-historic cave paintings are located about 12 km from here. This proves that the region was an important centre of activities during the stone-age,” said deputy director H.P. Sinha.

The oldest pre-historic recoveries have been made in Hallur in Karnataka and could be traced back to 1100 BC.

Though the period of the recoveries made in Jharkhand are yet to be ascertained, experts are of the opinion that these, too, might belong to the same period.

They argue that excavations in places of historical importance ought to be given top priority.